You could be the voice of Clifford’s Tower!

The people of York are being asked to lend their voices to help bring the story of Clifford’s Tower to life.

Residents with distinctive voices are invited to audition to become the voices of five fictional characters from the history of the tower.

Those whose voices are chosen will help English Heritage recreate the sounds of five different periods in the tower’s history as part of innovative new on-site interpretation for visitors.

This will go live in time for the site to reopen to the public this summer.

Anyone interested in taking part is invited to submit a one minute audition recording – captured at home via their smartphone or computer – before 31 January, recreating the voice of one of five fictional characters of varying ages created to tell the stories of events associated with the tower.

How to apply

Andrea Selley, English Heritage’s territory director in the North of England, said: “As part of our major new project to engage visitors with the stories of Clifford’s Tower, English Heritage is looking for volunteers to become the voices of five figures who represent different periods over nearly 1,000 years of the tower’s fascinating history.

“Of course, the tower has at times been the site of troubling and turbulent events, and we want to hear from people who can convey the different aspects of its history sympathetically and in an engaging way.

“This opportunity is open to all, regardless of background and age. As a thank you to the successful applicants, each of those chosen to become the voices of Clifford’s Tower will receive a year’s family membership of English Heritage as well as having their voices immortalised within the tower, helping to educate and inspire thousands of visitors.”

Further information on how to take part is available here.

English Heritage’s project to undertake vital conservation works and visitor improvements at Clifford’s Tower is due to be completed in summer 2021.

Though the plans for Clifford’s Tower are being delivered separately to City of York Council’s Castle Gateway Project and York Museums Trust’s plans for the transformation of York Castle Museum, the three organisations will work together so that the story of York Castle is told across the sites in a coherent way.